Tradition Home Designs

Home Improvement Professionals , Design-Build Firms , Accessory Dwelling Units , Home Remodeling , Home Additions , Universal Design , Basement Remodeling
11 Reviews
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Tradition Home Designs
11 Reviews

Cavan House

An 18th century reproduction gambrel on a gorgeous 20 acre lot near Cavan Ontario.
Country: Canada
This gambrel was the designer's own home built on a beautiful 20 acre site near Peterborough Ontario. With some of the best vintage material going into the reproduction, most visitors wouldn't believe that it was new in 1988...until they saw the poured concrete basement walls.
Cavan House
A small but choice entrance hall sheathed in feather-edged boards. The flooring within used wide pine tongue and groove boards.
Cavan House
The second floor spaces in a gambrel is one of the most comfortable of architectural styles. These rooms were sheeted in wide pine boards with a delicate beaded edge. Notice the period colours throughout.
Cavan House
In the early days it was less expensive to clad in shingle than to reave clapboard so I chose to shingle the gable end to reflect this tradition.
Cavan House
The larger dining room also served as a library and study. The large panels on the left slid open to reveal media equipment. The French doors opened out to the garden.
Cavan House
Notice the huge summer beam to carry the second floor. The fireplace in this comfortable dining room is one of a pair back-to-back in the central fireplace. There are period latches and locks throughout.
Cavan House
wide floorboards in the original yellow paint surround the hearth. The door on the right opens to reveal the staircase to the second floor bedrooms.
Cavan House
A period suffolk latch, earlier than the Norfolk latches sometimes found in Ontario, is correct in an 18th century reproduction.
Cavan House
A house to serve well must consider the placement of its furnishings.
Cavan House
The colours of walls, floors and ceilings harmonize and give comfort.
Cavan House
This ceiling was salvaged and carefully numbered, to be put back exactly in place in its new home.
Cavan House
This wall that opened to the woods via its French doors was a double wall with Indian shutters that slid shut to protect the occupants from Ontario's winters.
Cavan House
When originally deciding on the building site, thought was given to site atop the hill. As it turned out, siting down below and overlooking the stream proved best. Most of the bad weather blew over the house.
Cavan House
It was a long drive to Maine to pick up the period-style clapboard but worth the effort. To insure against warpage each and every board was laid out on the ground and stained on both sides before applying. Reproduction hand-forged nails held them on. The Palladian vent was a nice touch.
Cavan House